Dr. Rufus Grier Pettis, 86, of Charlotte, North Carolina, entered into eternal life on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Asbury Nursing Facility after a long illness.  He was born on June 19, 1936, in York County, South Carolina, the third of four sons and one of the eight children of the late Grier and Bleeker Pettus.

Dr. Pettis was a graduate of George Fish High School and Benedict College (B.S., cum laude 1958) where he was initiated into the Gamma Mu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  He obtained a Master's degree in Science from Atlanta University (1963) and Doctor of Education from Oklahoma State University (1970).

He had an active career in teaching, with stints at Second Ward High School, Winston-Salem State University, Barber-Scotia College and Central Piedmont Community College.  He was longest tenured and retired from Johnson C. Smith University after 41 years as a Professor of mathematics.

He met and married Willie Mae Gardner while they both were instructors at Second Ward High School.  They enjoyed 45 years of marriage before she preceded him in death in 2008.

Dr. Pettis was a passionate and active entrepreneur both during his teaching career and in retirement.  He was a real estate developer and investor and was active in ownership and management of various businesses.  He was an active member of First Fellowship Charlotte Church and the Charlotte Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.  In his leisure time, he enjoyed gardening, winemaking and fishing.

Dr. Rufus Grier Pettis is survived by his sons, Kevin W. Pettis (Janice), Dr. Karlton S. Pettis (Pamela); his siblings, Dorothy P. Perry and Evelyn Y. Pettus; grandchildren, Jamilah, Olivia, Kareem and William Pettis; and other relatives and friends.